Packing apparatus with internal partition layer

ABSTRACT

An exemplary packing apparatus includes a main body ( 201 ), a cover ( 202 ), and a partition layer ( 212 ). The cover is configured to be attached to the main body and cooperatively forms a receiving space with the main body. The partition layer is received within the receiving space.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to packing apparatuses, and more particularly to a packing apparatus typically used for storing and transporting glass substrates.

BACKGROUND

Liquid crystal displays (LCDs) generally includes two glass substrates as bases for supporting other components thereon. The other components can include, for example, thin film transistors, integrated circuits, and a color filter. Each glass substrate is fragile and can be damaged easily by an external impact, static electricity or contamination during transportation or operation.

Referring to FIG. 10, a conventional packing apparatus 10 includes a main body 120 and a cover 110. The main body 120 includes a plurality of grooves 130 at two opposite inner sides thereof. The cover 110 is detachably engaged with the main body 120, and cooperates with the main body 120 to form a receiving space. A plurality of glass substrates is received within the receiving space and secured in the grooves 130 of the main body 120 during transportation. The main body 120 and cover 110 are made from foam resin.

The grooves 130 basically only function to secure the glass substrates in the packing apparatus 10. In general, the packing apparatus 10 has no particular buffering (or cushioning) capability, nor provides any protection from buildup of static electricity that may discharge and damage the glass substrates.

Accordingly, what is needed is a packing apparatus configured to be able to provide buffering (or cushioning) and/or protection from the risks of static electricity.

SUMMARY

An exemplary packing apparatus includes a main body, a cover, and at least one partition layer. The cover is configured to be attached to the main body and cooperatively forms a receiving space with the main body. The at least one partition layer is received in the receiving space.

The packing apparatus further comprises a protection film received within the receiving space.

A detailed description of embodiments of the present invention is given below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, all the views are schematic.

FIG. 1 is an exploded, isometric view of a packing apparatus in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, together with a glass substrate between partition layers of the packing apparatus, but not showing binding belts of the packing apparatus.

FIG. 2 is an assembled, isometric view of the packing apparatus in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention, showing the binding belts thereof in phantom.

FIG. 3 is an exploded, isometric view of a packing apparatus in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention, together with a glass substrate between partition layers of the packing apparatus, but not showing binding belts of the packing apparatus, and showing a protection film of the packing apparatus in a flat state.

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the protection film of FIG. 3 shown in a bent state ready for use.

FIG. 5 is an exploded, isometric view of a partition layer of a packing apparatus in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention, together with two glass substrates above and below the partition layer respectively.

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of the packing apparatus in accordance with the third embodiment of the present invention, showing binding belts thereof in phantom.

FIG. 7 is an exploded, isometric view of a packing apparatus in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention, together with a glass substrate between partition layers of the packing apparatus, but not showing binding belts of the packing apparatus.

FIG. 8 is an isometric, bottom view of a main body of the packing apparatus of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is an assembled, isometric view of the packing apparatus of FIG. 7, showing the binding belts thereof in phantom.

FIG. 10 is an isometric, cutaway view of a conventional packing apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a packing apparatus 2 in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention includes a box 20, a plurality of partition layers 212, and two binding belts 204. The box 20 includes a cover 202 and a main body 201. The cover 202 and main body 201 are engaged together, thereby forming a receiving space receiving the substrate package 21 therein. The cover 202 includes four outer side walls 2023, four inner side walls 2021 of lesser height than the outer side walls 2023, and a top part 2022 substantially perpendicular to the inner side walls 2021. The main body 201 includes four outer side walls 2013, four inner side walls 2011 protruding higher than the outer side walls 2013, and a base part 2012 substantially perpendicular to the inner side walls 2011. The inner side walls 2011 correspond in position to the inner side walls 2021 of the cover 202.

The top and base parts 2022, 2012 respectively include a plurality of substantially rectangular recessed structures (not labeled), each having a thickness configured in the range from 0.5 mm to 1 mm. The recessed structures are for increasing the buffering (or cushioning) capacity of the top and base parts 2022, 2012. Two of opposite long outer side walls 2023 and an outer portion of the top part 2022 of the cover 202 cooperatively form a pair of parallel, U-shaped channels 205 respectively. Two of opposite long outer side walls 2013 and an outer portion of the bottom part 2012 of the main body 201 cooperatively form another pair of parallel, U-shaped channels 205 respectively. When the cover 202 is attached on the main body 201, the inner side walls 2011 of the main body 201 abut the inner side walls 2021 of the cover 202. The cover 202 and the main body 201 are secured together by the binding belts 204, which are arranged in the channels 205 of the cover 202 and the main body 201.

In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of partition layers 212 is two partition layers 212. A glass substrate 211 is interlaid between the partition layers 212, and the combination of the glass substrate 211 and the partition layers 212 is referred to herein as a substrate package 21. Each of the partition layers 212 includes a plurality of concave and convex structures (not labeled) at major surfaces thereof. This configuration increases the buffering (or cushioning) capacity of the partition layer 212. Further, air can flow between the glass substrate 211 and the partition layers 212, thereby avoiding cracking of the glass substrate 211 due to air pressure between the partition layers 212. The size of each partition layer 212 substantially matches that of the glass substrate 211. The partition layer 212 is substantially frame-shaped, with an opening (not labeled) at the center. The partition layers 212 are made from toxic-free material, for example, high density polyethylene (HDPE). HDPE has good anti-static electricity capability. A density of HDPE is relative low, for example, around 0.995 kilograms per cubic centimeter.

The inner side walls 2021 of the cover 202 define four holes 2014 at junctions therebetween respectively. The inner side walls 2011 of the main body 201 define four holes 2014 at junctions therebetween respectively. The holes 2014 enable the inner side walls 2021, 2011 to expand or contract slightly without bending or deforming. Thereby, friction between edges of the glass substrate 211 and the cover and main bodies 202, 201 is avoided. The box 20 is made from forming resin doped with conductive polymer. The forming resin doped with conductive polymer can, for example, include high or low density polyethylene, polypropylene, or polyurethane. Thereby, the box 20 can have electrical resistance of about 103 to 1012 ohms per centimeter, thereby helping prevent any buildup of static electricity that may damage the glass substrate 211. The forming resin is fabricated by expansion forming, whereby a size of the finished forming resin is 3 to 30 times its original size. This process can be performed by way of heating up the forming resin within a mold, or a low pressure forming process can be employed. A thickness of various portions of the cover 202 and the main body 201 is configured to be in the range from 15 mm to 100 mm.

The glass substrate 211 is received within the box 20 by the following process. Firstly, the bottom partition layer 212 is arranged on the base part 2012 of the main body 201. Then, the glass substrate 211 is arranged on that partition layer 212. Then, the top partition layer 212 is arranged on the glass substrate 211, thereby attaining the substrate package 21 within the main body 201. Secondly, the cover 202 is attached to the main body 201. If the number of glass substrates 211 is n, the preferred number of partition layers 212 is n+1. Fillers (not shown) can be provided for filling gaps between the glass substrate 211 and portions of the box 20, whereby shaking of the glass substrate 211 is avoided.

In various alternative embodiments, there can be fewer or more channels 205 than those described above, according to the particular binding capability required in a given application. If the glass substrate 211 is relatively small and appropriately sized, it can be arranged within the opening of one or more of the partition layers 212. The partition layers 212 can be substantially rectangular panels without openings. The top and base parts 2022, 2012 can include a plurality of concave and convex structures of various kinds, in order to provide further buffering (or cushioning) capacity.

Referring to FIG. 3, this shows an exploded, isometric view of a packing apparatus 3 in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. The packing apparatus 3 of the second embodiment is similar to the above-described first embodiment. However, the packing apparatus 3 further includes a protection film 303. The packing apparatus 3 includes a cover 302, a main body 301, a plurality of partition layers 312, the protection film 303, and two binding belts (not shown). A substrate package 31 includes the two partition layers 312, and a glass substrate 311 interlaid between the partition layers 312. The cover and main bodies 302, 301 are engaged together, thereby forming a receiving space receiving the substrate package 31 and the protection film 303 therein.

Referring also to FIG. 4, the protection film 303 includes a base part 3032 and six extending parts 3031 bent perpendicularly from the base part 3032 at six bending lines 3033 respectively. The protection film 303 is preferably made from high-density polyethylene doped with conductive polymer or an anti-static electricity material. Thereby, the protection film 303 has an electrical resistance around 109 to 1012 ohm per centimeter. A size of the base part 3032 of the protection film 303 substantially matches that of a base part (not labeled) of the main body 301. The bent extending parts 3031 isolate the substrate package 31 from the cover 302 and main body 301, thereby helping prevent debris or other unwanted matter from contaminating the glass substrate 311.

Typically, by adopting the protection film 303, the anti-static electricity capacity of the packing apparatus 3 can be extended from a normal lifetime of 1 year to about 3 years. The lifespan of the protection film 303 itself is about 2 years. Therefore an aging protection film 303 can be replaced with a new protection film 303 once the anti-static electricity capability of the aging protection film 303 has declined.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, a packing apparatus 3′ in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention is similar to the above-described second embodiment. However, the packing apparatus 3′ includes only one partition layer 312, in order to decrease a size of a box 30.

In particular, a substrate package 32 of the packing apparatus 3′ includes two glass substrates 311, and the single partition layer 312 interlaid between the glass substrates 311. The substrate package 32 is received within a main body 301 of the packing apparatus 3′. If the number of glass substrates 311 is n (wherein n is greater than or equal to 2), the preferred number of partition layers 312 is n−1.

The packing apparatus 3′ includes the box 30, and two binding belts 304. The box 30 includes the cover 302 and the main body 301, and two parallel, U-shaped channels 305 at each of the cover 302 and the main body 301. The cover 302 and the main body 301 are engaged together, thereby forming a receiving space (not shown) receiving the substrate package 32 therein. The cover 302 and the main body 301 are secured together by the binding belts 304, which are arranged in the channels 305 of the cover 302 and the main body 301.

Referring to FIG. 7, this shows a packing apparatus 4 in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The packing apparatus 4 of the fourth embodiment is similar to the above-described second embodiment. However, the packing apparatus 4 includes two main bodies 401.

The packing apparatus 4 includes a box 40, a plurality of partition layers 412, a pair of protection films 403 (only one visible), and two binding belts 404. The box 40 includes a cover 402 and the two main bodies 401. The cover 402 and the two main bodies 401 are engaged together, thereby forming two receiving spaces. Each receiving space receives a respective substrate package 41 (only one visible) and a respective one of the protection films 403 therein. The cover 402 includes a top part 4022. Each of the main bodies 401 includes four outer side walls 4013, four inner side walls 4011 protruding higher than the outer side walls 4013, a base part 4012 substantially perpendicular to the inner side walls 4011, and a peripheral trench 4014 at an outer surface portion of the base part 4012 corresponding in position according to the inner side walls 4011. Each substrate package 41 includes two corresponding partition layers 412, and a respective glass substrate 411 interlaid between the partition layers 412.

The cover 402 and the main body 401 each include two parallel, U-shaped channels 405. The inner side walls 4011 of the bottom main body 401 are engaged in the trench 4014 of the top main body 401. Then the cover 402 and main bodies 401 are secured together by the binding belts 404, which are arranged in the channels 405 of the cover 402 and the main bodies 401.

While various embodiments have been described by way of example, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited thereto. To the contrary, the above description is intended to cover various modifications and similar arrangements as would be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the scope of the appended claims should be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and similar arrangements. 

1. A packing apparatus, comprising: a main body; a cover configured to be attached to the main body and thereby cooperatively form a receiving space; and at least one partition layer received in the receiving space.
 2. The packing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one partition layer comprises a plurality of structures selected from the group consisting of a plurality of concave structures and a plurality of convex structures.
 3. The packing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a protection film received within the receiving space.
 4. The packing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cover comprises a plurality of recessed structures.
 5. The packing apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the main body comprises a plurality of recessed structures.
 6. The packing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the partition layer is generally frame-shaped.
 7. The packing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the partition layer is rectangular.
 8. The packing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the main body comprises a trench in a bottom thereof.
 9. The packing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cover comprises an inner side wall and an outer side wall, and the outer side wall has a greater height than the inner side wall.
 10. The packing apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein the inner side wall comprises at least one hole therein, the at least one hole configured to allow the inner side wall to maintain an original shape.
 11. The packing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the main body comprises an inner side wall and an outer side wall, and the inner side wall protrudes higher than the outer side wall.
 12. The packing apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein the inner side wall comprises at least one hole therein, the at least one hole configured to allow the inner side wall to maintain an original shape.
 13. The packing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, the main body defines at least one channel in an outer portion thereof, and the cover defines at least one channel in an outer portion thereof corresponding to the at least one channel of the main body.
 14. The packing apparatus as claimed in claim 13, further comprising at least one binding belt, wherein the at least one binding belt is configured to be arranged in the channels of the main body and the cover in order to bind the main body and the cover together.
 15. The packing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the packing apparatus is made from material comprising polypropylene.
 16. The packing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the packing apparatus is made from material comprising polyethylene.
 17. The packing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the packing apparatus is made from material comprising polyurethane.
 18. An assembly comprising: at least one main body; a cover configured to be attached to the main body and thereby cooperatively form a receiving space; a plurality of partition layers received in the receiving space under a condition that every adjacent to partition layers cooperatively sandwich a glass substrate therebetween.
 19. The assembly as claimed in claim 18, wherein there are more than one main bodies stacked with one another under a condition that another receiving space is formed between every two neighboring main bodies, and said another receiving space is generally only one half of said receiving space. 